RUSSIAN ENAMELLED SILVER BENEDICTION CROSS,Late 19th-early 20th century. Maker's mark I.A. Alekseyev; Kokoshnik mark, Assayer I.S. Lebdkin. Centered with applied crucifix; surrounded by four applied and enamelled relief roundels depicting saints and the skull of Adam at the summit of Golgotha - 14 in. x 8 1/2 in. Estimate $2,000-3,000
PROVENANCE: Purchased in Jerusalem, early 1990s
In overall excellent condition. There is a slight separation of the cover from the base. Each enamel roundel is hallmarked. There are minor losses on the enamel found on the pierced work. There are no splits or repairs on the silver or the pierced work. There is a slight warping found at two o'clock on the pierced radiating beam surrounding the crucifix.
